Our Board
FireFly Tri is honored to have a group of hard-working, passionate, dedicated and selfless individuals who have generously given their time to help ensure youth triathlon has a home in the Lehigh Valley.
As the owner of an engineering design firm in Chicago, Jenny knows how to build things from scratch. She has vast experience in board and community service, currently holding a position on the board of the largest chapter in the country for Stormwater and Floodplain managers, and serves on the council of her local church. While not a triathlete herself (YET), she enjoys cheering on her husband in his triathlon pursuits. Witnessing the diverse talents and athleticism of the participants has solidified her belief in the power of sport to inspire and unite individuals. Jenny is excited to bring her leadership experience to FireFly Tri, steering it towards success and providing a nurturing environment for aspiring triathletes.
Jenny Loewenstein | President
Michelle Staebell | Treasurer
As a teacher, CPA, and business owner, and sought-after expert by news media, Michelle has a broad perspective in business and deep experience in education. Currently on staff at the Golisano Institute as a member of the Accounting Faculty, Michelle has run her own accounting firm since 2010. She also taught accounting and entrepreneurship at SUNY Geneseo for over a decade. Outside the office, Michelle has volunteered on numerous boards, including Geneseo Volunteer Tax Assistance, serving low-income and elderly taxpayers. A member of the New York State Society of CPAs, she’s a 2016 inductee into the group’s Young Leadership Circle. Michelle has also been a CNN Business contributor.
Jen Bowen | Secretary
Jen is a longtime resident of the Lehigh Valley with strong ties to our community. She graduated from Emmaus High School and Muhlenberg College, and holds a master’s degree from Lehigh University. She is a former EPSD school board member, Millbrook Farms HOA board member, vice president of the EMAC Board of Directors, incoming member of the Boys and Girls Club of Allentown Board of Directors, and certified USA Swimming official. What she may lack in knowledge of or experience in competitive sports, she hopes to make up for with knowledge of and interest in our athletes. Jen values team culture over time cuts, active over passive participation, and sportsmanship over speed.
Carina Messenlehner | At-large
Carina began competitively swimming at the age of six and still loves the sport, training and occasionally competing with her masters swim team, Landshark Masters (LASH), of which she is a founding member. She is a certified USA Swimming Official, serves as the Officials Coordinator at the Emmas Aquatic Club, and has volunteered as a swim lessons instructor. She also serves as the Vice President of the Suburban Swim League of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Carina is a Registered Nurse at Lehigh Valley Health Network, where she has worked for more than twenty years. She is a founding member of Moms of Multiples of the Lehigh Valley. She is inspired by the fortitude, perseverance and resilience of multi-sport endurance athletes and is dedicated to supporting their passion.
Midge Kerr | At-large
Midge is Vice President and Race Director of Tim Kerr Charities. This non-profit organization produces numerous annual multisport events that make positive and long-lasting contributions to the greater Jersey Shore community, and beyond. Her passion for sport and selflessness towards others is reflected through this charity work. For the past six years Midge has been Transition Coordinator (recently promoted to Assistant Director of Transition) for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. She is a member of the USA Triathlon Century Club (having completed over 300 races), a member of Team USA, multiple time USAT age group All-American, and two-time Ironman World Championship finisher. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother. As a successful business owner and entrepreneur, Midge embraces the challenge of leading others to achieve their greatest potential.